Donald Marks, 62, of Berrien Center, passed away, Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022, at Spectrum Health Lakeland, following a brief battle with Covid Pneumonia. He was surrounded by family, as he passed peacefully.
Born to Freda and Ron Marks, Don grew up in Coloma and graduated from Coloma High School in 1979. He worked at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph for almost 30 years in the Maintenance Department. With his charm and good looks, Don won over his wife of 30 years, Nancy Marks. His health eventually took a turn and in 2020, Don made a special friendship with his kidney donor, Chelsea Schmeling, who unselfishly “shared her spare” kidney. He lived two healthy years following his kidney transplant, not having to spend his days doing dialysis and living life to its fullest.
Don will be remembered for his sense of humor and his goofy demeanor. He was rarely seen with a scowl on his face or in a bad mood. He loved to see the Michigan State Spartans lose and debate the talent of his beloved Michigan Wolverines.
Don had several love affairs, the biggest being his love of baseball. He has spent his life playing, watching, coaching and manifesting the same love for baseball, in his son. He has dedicated countless hours to youth baseball programs, Berrien Springs Baseball and has helped with his grandson’s Lakeshore Thunder team. His second love is for the University of Michigan athletics. To not hear a Michigan football or basketball game in the background has left the family with a sense of emptiness. His third love has been his love for his grandbabies. He has been a constant in all of their lives, whether it was traveling by plane to visit them in Vegas or a fan in the stands at their multiple sporting events. This hole will be felt by them all.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy Marks of Berrien Center; his mother, Freda Marks of Berrien Springs; his sister, Chaya (Larry) Schmeling of Buchanan; his daughter, Brittany (Kyle) Duncombe of Las Vegas, NV; his son, Scott Marks of Chesterton, IN; his step-daughter, Heidi (Shawn) de la Foret and step-son, Gary (Jami) Zech, both of St. Joseph; his grandchildren: Luke Duncombe, Liv Duncombe, Maddy Marks, Emme Marks, Elliott de la Foret, Sophie de la Foret, Asher de la Foret, Garrett Zech and Brody Zech.
He is preceded in death by his twin brother, John Marks, who passed at birth; his brother, Ron Marks; and father, Ronald Marks.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date, during baseball season, his favorite time of the year. Messages and memories may be shared at www.allredfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations will support the UMH Transplant Center Kidney and Pancreas Program Fund at the University of Michigan. Checks may be made to “University of Michigan” and sent to the Michigan Medicine Office of Development, 777 E. Eisenhower Pkwy, Ste 650, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website victors.us/donaldmarks to make your gift.